Influence of Sea Temperature upon the Numbers of Grilse and Multi-Sea-Winter Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Caught in the Vicinity of the River Dee (Aberdeenshire)

Abstract

The possible influence of sea temperature upon the age of return of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) was examined using the catch and weight data of grilse and multi-sea-winter (MSW) salmon of the Aberdeen Harbour Board caught either within or adjacent to the River Dee (Aberdeenshire). This data set, apart from a 10-yr period of commercial confidentiality, is very suitable because uniformity of effort allowed catch per unit effort to be calculated. Only in the last few years was external pressure (high seas fishing) applied to the system. Various temperature series were examined but the known loci of high seas fishing and the temperature ranges involved suggested that the most relevant series is from the subarctic. Increase in temperature is shown to be associated with larger numbers of fish returning as MSW salmon and fewer as grilse. The average weight of grilse increases with grilse catch numbers. Regression equations for grilse and MSW salmon catch numbers are produced for the period 1877–1972. There is a marked 4-yr periodicity in the grilse catch data. A hypothesis is proposed that the temperature of the subarctic influences the migratory pattern, that fish travel further north into the Arctic/subarctic only during those years when the minimum temperature remains above 2 °C.